High capacity brush cleaner

Abstract

Methods and apparatus for cleaning large numbers of brushes quickly, comfortably and efficiently are disclosed. The apparatus contains a cleaning chamber comprising cleaning elements disposed on a cleaning plate within the chamber that contacts the brushes during cleaning, the cleaning chamber in contact with a drive and a motor that can deliver repetitive motions to the cleaning elements. Further it comprises a lid configured to hold brushes in securement members on the lid, one or more vibratory motors that provides vibratory motions to the cleaning chamber, and a solvent circulation system that is configured to deliver and drain solvents between the reservoir and cleaning chambers and also filter and recirculate them during the cleaning cycles, and drain out used solvents from the cleaner after a cleaning operation. The apparatus also contains means to hasten drying of washed brushes. Some embodiments allow easy transport of the large capacity cleaner.

What is claimed is: 
     
       1. A brush cleaner comprising:
 a base; 
 a cleaning chamber comprising a plurality of cleaning elements disposed on a cleaning plate; 
 the cleaning plate comprising a flat element that can snugly fit into the cleaning chamber; 
 the cleaning chamber comprising one or more flat- or paddle-shaped elements configured to increase mixing of the solvents within the chamber; 
 a vibratory motor attached to the base or the cleaning chamber and configured to vibrate the cleaning plate or the cleaning chamber or both; 
 a lid attached to the cleaning chamber, wherein the lid comprises a plurality of securement members configured to hold brushes; 
 a solvent circulation system comprising a reservoir and one or more compartments that is fluidically in contact with the cleaning chamber and is configured to deliver solvents from the compartments into the cleaning chamber, and drain solvents from the cleaning chamber into the compartments; 
 a filtering system comprising filters or filter cartridges within the solvent circulating system configured to remove dirt and debris present in the solvents drained into the compartments; 
 a motor mounted on the base and attached to the undersurface of the cleaning chamber via a drive, wherein the motor and the drive are configured to provide repetitive motions to the cleaning chamber; and 
 a user interface for programming operations of the brush cleaner. 
 
     
     
       2. The brush cleaner of  claim 1 , wherein the cleaning chamber is detachable from the drive. 
     
     
       3. The brush cleaner of  claim 1 , where in the opening of the lid is dampened. 
     
     
       4. The brush cleaner of  claim 1 , wherein the opening and closing of the lid can be programmed to mark the beginning and end of cleaning cycles. 
     
     
       5. The brush cleaner of  claim 1 , wherein the lid is configured to automatically hold brushes in a position that drains solvents sticking to the brushes at the end of a cleaning cycle into the cleaning chamber and subsequently air drying the brushes. 
     
     
       6. The brush cleaner of  claim 1 , where the solvent circulation system is configured to mix solvents in the reservoir before a cleaning cycle begins. 
     
     
       7. The brush cleaner of  claim 1 , wherein the solvent circulation system is configured to deliver mixed solvents into the cleaning chamber before a cleaning cycle begins and recycle them at different times and at different rates during a cleaning cycle. 
     
     
       8. The brush cleaner of  claim 1 , wherein the solvent circulation system is programmed to drain solvents from the cleaning chamber at the end of a cleaning cycle. 
     
     
       9. The brush cleaner of  claim 1 , wherein the securement members hold brushes in place with elastic bands made of a thermoplastic elastomer material capable of stretching 1.5 to 5 times. 
     
     
       10. The brush cleaner of  claim 9 , wherein the elastic bands are detachable and replaceable. 
     
     
       11. The brush cleaner of  claim 9 , wherein the elastic bands have more than one fused criss-cross. 
     
     
       12. The brush cleaner of  claim 1 , wherein the cleaning chamber has a height of about 5 inch to about 16 inches, and a diameter of about 12 inch to about 24 inches. 
     
     
       13. The brush cleaner of  claim 1 , wherein the cleaning chamber is configured to undergo 30-120 repetitive motions per minute. 
     
     
       14. The brush cleaner of  claim 1 , wherein the cleaning elements are about 0.1 inches to 3 inches in length, and about 0.1 inches to 3 inches in thickness. 
     
     
       15. The brush cleaner of  claim 1 , wherein the solvent circulation system further comprises at least one solvent dispensing port adjacent to the cleaning chamber. 
     
     
       16. The brush cleaner of  claim 1 , wherein the solvent circulation system is configured to circulate 20-200 ml of solvent per minute. 
     
     
       17. The brush cleaner of  claim 1 , wherein the lid is configured to undergo vibratory motions that are programmable. 
     
     
       18. The brush cleaner of  claim 1 , further comprising leveling screws and spirit level to keep the cleaner at level on a surface. 
     
     
       19. The brush cleaner of  claim 1  configured to attach the reservoir to a source of water.